Nov 21, 2013 4:34 PM

I went to cut down a tree in my garden when I came across these little critters. Any idea what they are? They have six legs and what look like eyes are actually horn type things. Their heads are actually at the thinner end (I think)

These are Giant Willow aphids, Tuberolachnus salignus. They appear from nowhere and then disappear equally mysteriously. Males are not known and neither do we know what they do over the winter or where they are the rest of the year. So if you would like to do a 'stake out' over the next few weeks you will be able to let us know and solve this puzzle - you mustn't take your eyes off them mind!

I would also and that they are among my favourite aphids - if it's not too weird to have a favourite aphid.